The more you know about your own migraine triggers, the more you can do to reduce the chance of attacks. In this issue, we take a look at triggers you might not have considered and offer practical tips for addressing them.

Since prevention is critical, it's important to stay abreast of what does and doesn't seem to work. That's why we'd like to share results from an independent survey (titled "Did it Work") of 875 Petadolex® users. Here are a few of the extremely positive findings:

• 62% said Petadolex® works for them • 93% noted no bothersome side effects• Quite a few respondents had disappointing experiences with non-Petadolex butterbur

We'd appreciate hearing your own experiences with Petadolex® or Dolovent™. And, as always, we hope you'll let us know about any questions or topics you'd like us to address in upcoming issues.

Knowing what triggers your migraines is a key step in reducing their frequency and severity. Over time, most of us come to recognize common triggers like changes in the weather, menstruation, stress and certain foods. But other less well-known causes may also trigger or worsen your migraines. Let's take a look at three that might surprise you:

1. Concussions. Two new studies led by Dr. Tad Seifert, head of the NCAA's Headache Task Force, and Dr. David Dodick, a concussion expert at the Mayo Clinic and chair of the American Migraine Foundation, suggest a link between concussions and migraines. Dr. Seifert's study found that high school football players may be at twice the risk of migraine compared to average people, and Dr. Dodick's study points to head injuries playing a role in headaches. The link seems to go the other way, too, with Dr. Seifert finding that people with a history of migraines are more likely to suffer concussion. Another leading neurologist, Dr. Frank Conidi of the Florida Center for Headache and Sports Neurology, says a number of people who suffer sports-related concussions go on to develop chronic headaches, but that proper treatment of the concussion might avoid this.

Take-away: be aware of your higher risk for concussion and understand that it could take you longer to recover from one.

2.Your computer screen. It's not just flickering that can trigger migraines: A Swedish study published in the Environmental Science and Technology Review found that chemical compounds in the plastics used to make computer screens can cause allergies and headaches. The culprit is triphenyl phosphate, a chemical used as a flame retardant and to increase the flexibility of plastics.

Take-away: if you must use your computer in a confined space, consider opening a window or using a fan to improve ventilation.

3. Your blanket. You probably already know to avoid sleeping under an electric blanket because it emits electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation that can-among other things-disrupt the functioning of blood vessels and neurons in the brain. But did you also know that you should also avoid snuggling your face under any blanket? It can reduce the oxygen you breathe in. This causes carbon dioxide to build up in your blood, which can trigger a headache.

Take-away: Don't sleep under an electric blanket. Even if it's turned off, it can still emit EMFs. And if you do snuggle down in bed, keep your nose and mouth out from under the covers.

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, you might be triggering migraines. Worse, you might grind and clench at night without even realizing it. This can cause muscle spasms which overload the trigeminal nerve system, leading to inflammation and pain as blood vessels repeatedly constrict and expand. Be sure to ask your dentist to look for signs that you're grinding and clenching. A mouth guard worn at night may help alleviate the problem-and the resulting migraines.

TRY THIS: Some migraine sufferers say taking calcium and magnesium before bedtime helps alleviate night time clenching and grinding. Supplements are an easy way to do this. Or, check out our list of Best Bedtime Snacks.CLICK HERE

Switch Off Menstrual MigrainesThe monthly drop in estrogen can constrict blood vessels in the brain. Research shows that certain nutrients seem to help keep hormones in balance and switch off the chain reaction that can trigger headache pain. If you regularly suffer menstrual migraines, talk with your doctor about whether it might help you to try a supplement regimen that includes B vitamins, calcium and magnesium.(back to the top)